Labor & Birth

Labor & Birth Education

Designed for those expecting their first baby (mother and support partner), labor and birth education classes are taught by childbirth educators and should be taken during an expectant mother's third trimester. Participants will learn about labor and birth positions, stages and phases of labor, how to time contractions and more. All labor and birth classes will include a tour of the birthing facility.

Labor & Birth Education – Weekend Express Series

This fast-paced interactive one-day class is designed for new or more seasoned parents. The class covers all of the basics of labor and birth preparation, including labor recognition, phases and stages of labor, ways to manage pain in labor and more. Classroom instruction will follow textbook reading assignments. (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) This class will include a tour. 
$110/couple

Labor and Birth Education – Three-Week Express Series

This fast-paced interactive series is designed for new or more seasoned parents. It covers all the basics of labor and birth preparation, including labor recognition, phases and stages of labor, ways to manage pain in labor and more. Classroom instruction will follow textbook reading assignments. (6:30 pm – 9:00 pm) This class will include a tour. 
$110/couple

Labor and Birth Education – Four-Week Series with Bringing Home Baby Bundle

This fast-paced interactive four week bundle series is designed for new or more seasoned parents. Weeks 1 through 3 cover the basics of labor and birth preparation, including labor recognition, phases and stages of labor, ways to manage pain during labor and more.

Week 4 covers Bringing Home Baby, essentially baby basics 101. How to diaper, bathe, swaddle and recognize newborn communication cues, soothing techniques and gain a clear understanding of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD). Class will include car seat safety, how to wear your baby, and kangaroo care (6:30 pm – 9:00 pm). This class will include a tour. 
$150/couple

Labor & Birth Education – Review

If you've already attended a Labor & Birth Education class but want a refresher, this class is appropriate for you. We'll review the basics and tailor the class to meet the needs of individual participants. This class will include a tour.  
$50/couple

Labor & Birth Education – Multiples

Designed especially for families expecting multiples, this class may be taken in the second or third trimester. Topics include pregnancy, the birth process, Cesarean birth, breastfeeding and postpartum adjustments. The class is held weekly for four weeks. This class will include a tour. 
$110/couple

Labor & Birth Education – Preparation for Cesarean Birth

Preparing for a cesarean birth or a c-section is an important part of a birth plan for some expectant mothers. A cesarean birth may be planned for medical reasons or may become necessary during labor due to unforeseen circumstances.

In this virtual, self-paced class, you will gain an understanding of the cesarean procedure and recovery, have the opportunity to witness a live cesarean birth and receive valuable planning handouts. Following completion of the course, you may speak with a live instructor for a question and answer (Q&A) session. Our material is accurate, evidence-based, up-to-date and delivered by experts in the field.

Self-paced learning allows patients to choose when and how to learn, based on their own schedule and learning style.  
$55/couple

Fitness Classes for Mom

FIT4MOM now offers their signature prenatal fitness class, Prenatal FIT4BABY, at WakeMed North Hospital. This 1-hour class is open to all expecting moms (with their OB/Midwife's permission to exercise). Moms can begin at any time and continue right up to delivery. Classes include elements of cardio, strength training and core work designed to prepare the body for labor and beyond. Find the class schedule and register. Contact Missy Currin at missycurrin@fit4mom.com with questions.

Gestational Diabetes Program

WakeMed Gestational Diabetes program is designed for the patient who has developed diabetes at any stage of pregnancy or for the patient who has diabetes prior to conception.  A physician referral is required for program enrollment.  Learn more about our program or call 919-350-4589.

Supportive Birth Services

Are you a mother-to-be who is excited to meet your baby but also fearful of labor and delivery due to a traumatic life experience? There are many reasons why labor, delivery and postpartum care could bring up difficult emotions. This is where birth preferences come in. Through our free services, we will guide you through our process and connect you with perinatal and postpartum resources that are individualized to your particular needs and/or circumstances. Learn more about Supportive Birth Services.